Definition

Not having a tone or sound; lacking energy or expression.

Example

The speaker's toneless voice made it hard to stay engaged during the presentation.

Conversation

I watched that new documentary last night, but it was a bit toneless.

Really? I thought it looked interesting!

Yeah, it had great facts, but the presentation was just so toneless.

That’s too bad! A lively narration can make all the difference.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Toneless → It is formed from "tone" (from Old English *tōn*, meaning sound or musical pitch) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "toneless" means without tone or lacking in musical pitch.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'without' ('-less') a 'sound' or 'musical pitch' ('tone') — that's what toneless means.

Visually Confused Words